Basic Meatloaf Recipe

The Basics: Meatloaf

I've never understood why meatloaf is such a polarizing dish. The picky eaters of the world seem to have collectively clung to a terrifying school-lunch memory of meatloaf as lumpy, gray mystery matter. But this homespun American meal has worked hard to regain street cred, thanks in part to the high-end comfort-food trend that's taken off in recent years.

The beauty of meatloaf lies in its ease, affordability, and versatility. The basic formula calls for three inexpensive components: ground beef or other meat, binders such as eggs and oatmeal, and seasonings. Use this rudimentary recipe to expand your meatloaf combinations — and dinner horizons — when you read more.

This recipe's good. I tried it on my husband last night, and he loved it. I usually make him 'italian meatloaf' with stovetop as the binder, egg whites, ground turkey, mozzarella, and marinara with marinara on top too. But he really liked the glaze on this one. Thanks for posting it, my hungry husband appreciated it.

I don't make it much because my husband claims he hates it. Probably because his mom's meatloaf tasted like crap. One of these days, I'm going to bust out a really good meatloaf and wow him with it. Maybe he'd like it more after that!

My mom's meat loaf is truly the best around. She's been making it from her Betty Crocker cookbook since she was in 3rd grade. It was the first solid food my brother and I ate. It has won praises from my friends. The funny thing is, that recipe is the only one I like. All others simply pale in comparison.

Ooooh, yummy! Now I'm thinking meatloaf might be a perfect meal for dinner this weekend! I haven't made any in a while, but my favorite is with some sauteed minced onions and bell peppers mixed in (for the caramalized flavor). Steamed broccoli and new potatoes on the side for a perfect cozy meal!

I love meatloaf! My mother-in-law made a meatloaf involving quick oats for Christmas, which was the first time I'd even heard of using oats in meatloaf. I was surprised that I really liked it! I'll definitely be trying this recipe. :D

My mom always used crushed cheese crackers in hers, it is delicious! I make mine with extra lean ground beef, egg beaters, some crushed reduced fat cheeze-its, and some breadcrumbs and tomato sauce with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, a clove of crushed garlic and onion powder...topped with ketchup and some more cheeze-its. I also like to mix in a "secret ingrediant"....<.< >.> a little tofu. It gives it a silkier texture and helps keep it moist if you just mix in like half a package with your ground beef. I decided to try it and my husband and brother went back for seconds (and thirds) without ever noticing the tofu. Even my picky kids ask for more on meatloaf night. Oh, and since I don't put veggies in mine, I just serve some on the side.

My mom always used crushed cheese crackers in hers, it is delicious! I make mine with extra lean ground beef, egg beaters, some crushed reduced fat cheeze-its, and some breadcrumbs and tomato sauce with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, a clove of crushed garlic and onion powder...topped with ketchup and some more cheeze-its. I also like to mix in a "secret ingrediant".....> a little tofu. It gives it a silkier texture and helps keep it moist if you just mix in like half a package with your ground beef. I decided to try it and my husband and brother went back for seconds (and thirds) without ever noticing the tofu. Even my picky kids ask for more on meatloaf night. Oh, and since I don't put veggies in mine, I just serve some on the side.

I didn't have meatloaf until I was 23. I refused to go anywhere near it. One day, my boyfriend says "I want meatloaf for dinner." So I tell him he can have it if he makes it, but I want nothing to do with it. But then I ate some, because I felt mean for not eating it, and it was pretty good. Now I'd like to think I can make a darn good meatloaf.

I didn't have meatloaf until I was 23. I refused to go anywhere near it.
One day, my boyfriend says "I want meatloaf for dinner." So I tell him he can have it if he makes it, but I want nothing to do with it. But then I ate some, because I felt mean for not eating it, and it was pretty good.
Now I'd like to think I can make a darn good meatloaf.